Basically, is the Cargo a truck designed by Ford US or by Ford Europe? I thought it was a model from Ford Europe

I also thought it was basically European but a Ford press-release says otherwise....

It was a 'world-truck' with North American designed chassis and powertrain, it does not say where the cab was designed however. So 'USA' I think is probably the best descriptiion.

"On Dec. 5, 1984, Ford launched a new line of “world trucks” combining its engineering, manufacturing and commercial vehicle expertise from North America, South America and Europe. Built in Brazil, that 1985 Cargo line featured a North American-designed chassis and powertrain and low-tilt, forward-control cab that won European Truck of the Year honors in 1982. Although Ford is no longer in the commercial truck business in North America or Europe, Ford of Brazil sells about 40,000 Cargos a year across South America. .....company president Donald Petersen said it marked the culmination of a four-year project involving product, engineering and manufacturing experts from three continents. “This new Cargo has no nationality other than Ford,” he added."